Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
Growing up, my parents taught me to respect the rule of law and to always do what’s right.
My father went to law school later in life, so I saw him go through law school and start his law career. I was able to see him in the courtroom fighting to protect the rule of law and upholding the Constitution which inspired me to want to do the same.
What inspires you?
I have always strived to be on time and work hard.
Knowing the next day is going to be tough has always motivated me to be early, prepared, and ready to knock out the work.
When hard work is needed, I’ve always been inspired knowing that folks can count on me to get the job done. Hard work and dependability have helped me throughout my life.
How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice on the bench?
My undergraduate degree was in accounting. Accounting is not just about being good at math. It taught me the ability to handle complex problems with a lot of moving parts.
County court judges handle a wide variety of cases daily, whether it be criminal, landlord/tenant, small claims, civil traffic and regular civil county court.
My undergraduate degree uniquely comes into play daily balancing and juggling the many different legal issues that pop up. My job requires me to wear many different hats that can change from minute to minute.
What community service have you pursued and why?
I have been involved in several different backpack drives, back-to-school events and senior citizen events.
The main reason I have focused on the back-to-school events is the way I was raised as a child. My parents provided a wonderful life for me growing up. The events I have helped out, some children were not provided the same opportunities I had through no fault of their own. Delivering backpacks full of school supplies the week before the first day of school and seeing kids light up and be excited for what they received is a feeling I don’t take lightly.
If it weren’t for the great organizations in Clay County that do the upfront hard work collecting supplies, some may not have pencils, paper or a backpack to start the school year.
The senior citizen events I have participated in are the opposite end of the spectrum. Delivering food and gifts to the senior citizens around Christmas time and spending time with them is heartwarming and I will gladly continue to assist any way I can.
What is your favorite book?
This may sound cliché, but any John Grisham book.
I was able to meet Mr. Grisham and his family in high school and have been a fan ever since. I own every book he has written and they are on a bookshelf in order of when they were released.
Do you have any special talents?
I was involved in the fishing industry at a young age working on boats as a mate. I like to think I could jump on any boat, in any tournament, contribute to the team and compete.
If you weren’t a judge what do you think you’d be?
Charter boat fishing captain.
Have you traveled anywhere exotic?
I have been to Costa Rica and almost every part of the Bahamas.
If you could meet someone from history, who would it be and why?
General Hal Moore or Major Richard Winters.
Although I did not serve in the military, my father, brother and several family members did.
Military history is an important part of my life and these two men were respected leaders who served our country during difficult times with honor.
What’s your favorite food?
Can I just say I love food? Barbecue, cowboy ribeye and anything Italian.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Tied between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.
Celebrating our nation’s birthday and Thanksgiving with my wife and my family together are days I look forward to every year.